Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 10:00 p.m.
From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard: Here was the scene west of Champaign-Urbana, IL in rural Champaign County late Monday afternoon when a Dust Storm Warning was in effect. Strong southerly winds associated with an approaching area of low pressure, enhanced by outflow from dying storms to the south kicked up thick plumes of blowing dust from freshly tilled/planted fields across central Illinois, shutting down highways for extended periods of time due to low visibility. Thankfully not hearing any reports of serious accidents from today’s dust storm. A fatal multi-vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 55 south of Springfield in 2023.
Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 6:10 p.m.
The Blowing Dust Advisory has been extended until 7 p.m. for a large portion of Central Illinois.
The Blowing Dust Advisory has been extended until 7 pm for a large part of central Illinois east of the Illinois River and north of I-70. pic.twitter.com/3fesyHBx7M
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) May 4, 2026
Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
The Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. The areas of concern are I-72, I-74, I-57 near Champaign, Mahomet, and Rantoul where loose topsoil and gusty winds are leading to low visibility. IPM News Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard says drivers should pull over, come to a stop and wait until conditions improve if dust engulfs their vehicle.
Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 4:50 p.m.
Dust Storm Warnings are still in effect for parts of central IL (pictured below), but satellite imagery suggests conditions may be improving compared to earlier this afternoon. If you are in these areas, we would love to know if dust is still blowing/impacting visibility. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/tOQqgYy9J5
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) May 4, 2026
IPM News Andrew Pritchard shares a photo of a cloud of dust and said that “visibility is still rather poor in parts of western Champaign County.”
Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 4:17 p.m.
In addition to the possibility of a dust storm, Central Illinoisans could also see storms with strong wind and hail.
Scattered storms could pose a severe threat through the evening hours. There is a 40% chance that part of our area may end up in a convective watch. #ILwx https://t.co/D6fk4CarkY
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) May 4, 2026
Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 3:35 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dust Storm warning for many parts of Central Illinois including Champaign. The warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m.
A dust storm warning is in effect until 5:15 PM CDT for I-72, I-74, I-57, US-10 near Champaign, IL and I-74, US-150 near Mahomet, IL and I-72 near Monticello, IL and I-57, US-45, US-136 near Rantoul, IL. pic.twitter.com/9mLSvcxT17
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) May 4, 2026
Updated Monday May 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Central Illinois has issued a Blowing Dust Advisory for central Illinois for Monday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Hazardous driving conditions are expected due to locally reduced visibility. Champaign, Coles, DeWitt, Douglas, Macon, McLean, Piatt, Vermilion and many more counties are included in this advisory.
Meteorologists say blowing dust is expected this afternoon across central and eastern Illinois, east of the Illinois River and north of I-70. Loose topsoil paired with gusty winds up to 40 mph could lead to blowing dust and low visibility in rural areas. Forecasters advise you to avoid the dust plume. If you encounter dense dust, slow down and pull off the roadway as far as possible.
On Sunday, Dust Storm warnings were issued in parts of Illinois. No major accidents were reported.